March/April Birthday Celebration to Honor Tennessee Williams in Key West
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The rich literary legacy of Key West was created by legendary figures including playwright Tennessee Williams, who first visited the island in 1941 and later bought a home where he lived until his death in 1983. Fans can explore the genius behind his work during the annual Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration, with events scheduled in March through April 1 in the subtropical city.
Activities are to include a reading of Williams’ poetry and prose produced by Key West’s Fringe Theater, screenings of films based on his plays, Waterfront Playhouse’s one-night-only presentation of his classic “This Property Is Condemned,” poetry and short story writing contests and a commemoration of the 111th anniversary of Williams’ March 26 birth.
Expected highlights include guided tours of Key West’s Tennessee Williams Museum led by curator Dennis Beaver, scheduled March 17 and 26, and touching on the Key West filming of “The Rose Tattoo” and other topics.
The museum, operated by the Key West Art & Historical Society and located at 513 Truman Ave., evolved out of a Tennessee Williams exhibit co-founded by Beaver. Among its extensive collection are personal photographs, first-edition books, plays, the steps from the filming of “The Rose Tattoo,” an intricate artist-crafted replica of Williams’ Key West home and a typewriter he used while living on the island.
The celebration’s other attractions include evening showings of classic movies based on Williams’ award-winning plays. “The Night of the Iguana,” “Baby Doll” and “Summer and Smoke” are to be presented on three consecutive Mondays at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St.
Events are to culminate Friday, April 1, with a belated birthday gathering and fundraiser set for 5-7 p.m. at the Tennessee Williams Museum. Attendees can expect champagne, birthday cake and the announcement of the winners of the short story and poetry contests. In addition, winners are to give readings of their work. Funds raised benefit the museum. Event information: kwahs.org/education/twbc
At Key West’s Tennessee Williams Museum, visitors can view an intricate artist-crafted replica of Williams’ Key West home created by Jane Rohrschneider Carper, pictured here. (Photo by Carol Tedesco)
Playwright Tennessee Williams first visited the island in 1941 and later bought a home where he lived until his death in 1983.